Sound reproduction



June 30, 1931.

L. I. REED scum) REPRODUCTION Filed Oct. 2. 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet I ILINVEYNTORJ ATTORNEYK W JOFT K 0 RECORD 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 w 57/ Lot 0,

- L. I. REED SOUND REPRODUCTION Filed Oct. 2, 1928 June 30, 1931.

.INVENOR.

ATTORNE Y8.

Patented June 30, 1931 LEWIS I. REED, OF BERKELEY, CALIFQBNIA SOUND REPRODUCTION Application filed October 2, 1928.

This invention relates to and has for a main object, the provision of a novel, tive, and improved method and means for reproducing sound and/or for pr ducing 6 novel sound effects.

The invention contemplates, primarily, the provision of a means and method whereby ordinary phonograph records may he employed in a refreshment booth or at a given location while a novel amplifier may be em ployed at a location substantially remote therefrom and connected with the tone arm of the phonograph for substantially amplifying the sounds to stimulate natural effects 1 which as may be produced by a band, orchestra, vocalist, or otherwise.

Other and more detailed objects of invention will appear as the description progresses.

90 My invention includes the novel method,

means, structure, and arrangement of elements shown in the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a plot of ground upon which is located a refreshment booth, and also a miniature or full size stage in which are mounted, respectively, the sound reproducing means and amplifying means of an ordinary phonograph, together with certain additions for carrying out the objects of my invention effectively.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the phonograph r producing and control mechanism.

Fig. 3 is a sectional elevation of the switch on line 3-3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. at is a sectional plan of the switch on line 4-4 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a view of a control panel for the amplifying means employed on the switch.

Referring to Fig. 1, it will be observed that a booth A, for the dispensing of beverages, may be erected on a corner or in other suitable position on a lot, as at B which is of sufficientsize that vehicles may be driven onto the lot while refreshments are served to the occupants.

I provide also a stage C on another portion of the lot, substantially remote from the booth A and preferably at the rear of the lot, facing the street. The booth A is pro- Serial No. 309,839.

vidcd at a suitable point under the counter a, or in a cabinet as at a, or in other preferably obscured position, with the sound reproducing unit D removed from and forming a part of an ordinary phonograph. Said reproducin; ing unit usually embodies a turntable 1 on which the record 2 is held, a tone arm 3 mounted on a supporting base 4 and carrying a reproducing el ment 5, together with an electric switch 6 for controlling the operation of the motor. The switch (3 is connected with the tone arm 3 for automatically stopping and. manually starting the rotation of the turntable 1 by means of devices 7 and 8 of well known character.

The reproducing element 5 has wires 9 and 10 which lead therefrom to a control panel 11 mounted in the phonograph cabinet E, which is installed on the stage C, as shown in Figs. 3 and 5. The control panel 11 has a pair of electric lead-in wires 12 and 13 arranged for connection with a rheostat 14 and a switch device 15 on the panel. 11. The rheostat 14 is provided for regulating the amplification of the sound.

Referring particularly to Figs. 3 and 4, it will be observed that the stage structure C, which may be of any suitable size and form, is preferably provided with a proscenium 16 in the foreground of the stage, a so platform'l7, and a rearward extension 18 of suitable height and depth arranged so as to enclose a sound box 19. The sound box may be suitably insulated by packing the spaces 20, 20 etc, between the inner and outer walls of the extension 18. The top 21 of the sound box is preferably arched and inclined or curved forwardly, as shown in Fig. 3, so as to properly deflect the sound waves and distribute them outwardly from the so proscenium over the lot B.

It will also be noted that the sound box has its sides diagonally disposed so that the opening 22 of the sound box to the proscenium is of substantially greater area than the rear end of the sound box.

I may decorate the stage with natural or artificial flowers, as at 23, and may further provide a curtain or curtains 24 around and over or for completely covering the opening 22 of the sound box. I may further provide flood lights, as at 25, 25, at the top, bottom, and sides of the opening 22 so that the curtain may be completely illuminated in one or more colors or tints.

I have found that the cabinet E of the phonograph, which is provided with a sound box, is insuflicient, when mounted in the open, to carry the sound waves in suflicient volume and that by mounting the cabinet E within the sound box 19 substantially in the position as shown in Fig. 4 in proximity to the rear wall 'of the sound box, the vibrations set up in the cabinet E are substantially amplified by the lining 19'of the sound box and are projected and deflected outwardly in substantial volume. Thus, at points several squares away from the amplifier the volume will favorably compare with that of a band or orchestra at the same distance from listeners. s I I When the sound reproducing mechanism D is obscured from view, the effect of the sounds produced on the stage C are bewildering to patrons of the booth A, or occupants of the vehicles on the lot B, as well as to passers by on the street.

It willbe understood that my improved means and method of sound reproduction may be employed under other conditions than those mentioned herein, and for other purposes, and the same may be used for interior as well as exterior reproduction of sound. 7 I

I conceive it to be possible to modify my invention within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit thereof.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is: I V

1. A stage for amplifying sound comprising a relatively wide and shallow front portion and a relatively narrow and deep rear compartment opening at its front into said front portion, the rear, side and upper walls of said compartment being constructed and arranged to form a sound amplifier.

2. A stage for amplifying sound comprising a proscenium, a relatively small compartment extending rearwardly from said proscenium and opening into said proscenium, the rear, side and upper Walls of said compartment forming a sound amplifier, and a platform in said compartment.

LEWIS I. REED. 

